NationStates Jolt Archive


Rudyard Kipling

Rhursbourg
17-09-2005, 22:19
May this chap ask is it accetable to read Kipling or Boys Own Stories in this so called day and age
The Psyker
17-09-2005, 22:25
Why wouldn't it be?
The White Hats
17-09-2005, 22:27
Of course. He was a highly intelligent observer of interesting times, and that's reflected in his work. Plus, he had his own views, and that's always interesting.
Vegas-Rex
17-09-2005, 22:33
From what I've read of Kipling (not much) I can't see any problem with reading it "in this day and age". I've heard that some of it is objectionable, though.
Rhursbourg
17-09-2005, 22:33
ooh I read Kipling anyway just wondered there might be some of the pc brigrade who think he is too "Imperialist" thougfh never felt that reading Kipling dont why some people feel that.
Vegas-Rex
17-09-2005, 22:38
ooh I read Kipling anyway just wondered there might be some of the pc brigrade who think he is too "Imperialist" thougfh never felt that reading Kipling dont why some people feel that.

He's observing Imperialism, but I don't think he's that supportive of it. Isn't "The man who would be King" Kipling? That (or at least the movie) comes across as being anti-Imperialist.
Liskeinland
17-09-2005, 22:41
If Kipling is too imperialist, Wagner must be banned first. After all, he was horrendously anti-semitic. :rolleyes:
Rhursbourg
17-09-2005, 22:46
He's observing Imperialism, but I don't think he's that supportive of it. Isn't "The man who would be King" Kipling? That (or at least the movie) comes across as being anti-Imperialist.

aye that it is and so is Gunga Din i should asked about Captain W.E. Johns
Carnivorous Lickers
18-09-2005, 12:49
My 20 month old daughter has recently become hooked on Disney's "Jungle Book" movie, based on Kipling's Mowgli stories. I find this a lot more interesting to watch with her than some of the other stuff.
NERVUN
18-09-2005, 13:00
He's a whole hell of a lot better than Conrad. *shutters* The horror, the horror!
Grampus
18-09-2005, 13:13
I am sad to see that nobody has made an 'I don't know, I have never Kipled' post yet.
Khaotik
18-09-2005, 13:19
Well, Kipling was ahead of his time in some ways and a product of his time in other ways. He wasn't an out-and-out racist, but did believe that certain peoples had particular innate traits. A lot of people still have this attitude but don't come out and say it, or don't realize they think that way.

He also had a belief that society couldn't help but be hierarchical, and everyone had a particular place in it. If they stayed in their particular place and did well, they would contribute to it. If not, well, that was when things hit the fan. The idea of democracy horrified him, because he thought that government, like science, engineering, medicine and what have you should be in the hands of trained experts. Which, I must grudgingly admit, sort of makes sense.

Keep this in mind and you will find certain aspects of his work less objectionable. It's really only his "white man's burden" poem that totally got him pegged as a racist and pro-imperialist writer, otherwise he's pretty likable.

By the way, I suggest you read Kim, it's an excellent book.
Demented Hamsters
18-09-2005, 14:07
May this chap ask is it accetable to read Kipling or Boys Own Stories in this so called day and age?
Well there's only two reasons why you shouldn't, as far as I can see.
1. You're afraid that your views and opinions will be shaped by his writings;
or
2. You're afraid people will look down on you and hassle you for reading 'imperialist propoganda'.

Now let's be honest here. If you're so weak-minded that one story is going to totally change your views or if you're so desperate for approval you'll follow whatever's the latest fashion and feel the need to check with others as to what you should read, think or do then I'd recommend you don't read anything ever again. Just sit down, turn on the TV, watch Fox 24/7 and DON'T breed.

However, if you want to read some stories from an excellent story-teller, do so. And whilst you're reading keep in mind that society and public opinions were vastly different on some matters, so obviously there'll be some bits which don't gel or feel right in this day and age. Kipling was a product of his time and obviously reflects this in his writings. It's not such a big deal. If anything it's interesting to see how much has changed (and how little).

BTW I've just finished reading 'Puck of Pook's hill'. again.